When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

A 40 percent rise in emergency food parcels in West Dunbartonshire has been blamed on “Tory brutality”.

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer hit out at Westminster over the massive surge in people desperately seeking help.

The research was carried out by A Menu for Change and the Independent Food Aid Network, who said requests have increased by 40 percent between September 2018 and September 2019, from 15,894 to 22,317.

The West of Scotland MSP said: “This shocking rise in the need for emergency food parcels in West Dunbartonshire is a direct result of brutal Tory cuts to social security.

“The Westminster Government is responsible for the vast majority of welfare payments, but its vindictive policies have resulted in thousands of the most vulnerable being left in crisis after being sanctioned and seeing their lifeline support cut.

“It is a scandal that so many cannot afford the food they need in this, one of the wealthiest countries on the planet.

Read More

Related Articles

“The Scottish Government must embed the right to food into law, as was promised in the Good Food Nation Bill proposals.

“And they must exhaust every power at their disposal to counter the worst efforts of the cruel Conservative administration in London.

“Devolution wasn’t delivered just to limit the damage caused to Scotland by UK governments but until we are independent there is a responsibility to do all we can to help those who are suffering as a result of callous Tory decisions.

“I have nothing but admiration for the wonderful staff and volunteers who run our foodbanks and will continue fighting to ensure that dignity and respect is always at the heart of our social security system.”

The Lennox Herald reported last week how West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare has seen a stark demand for its services.

Read More

Related Articles

And over Christmas, the charity handed out toys to 1000 children, its highest number yet.

Clair Coyle, Foodshare trustee, told how its been their busiest Christmas yet, with volunteers left heartbroken by harrowing stories of hardship, including of youngsters sitting in the dark because their families can’t afford to pay fuel costs.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “People use foodbanks for many reasons and it would be misleading to link them to any single cause.

“The UK government continues to spend around £95 billion a year on working age benefits, with Universal Credit supporting more than 2.7 million people across the UK.

“People can get paid urgently if they need it and 95 per cent of payments are made in full and on time.

“We’ve changed the system so people can receive even more money in the first two weeks than under the old system.

“In Scotland, people can choose to be paid twice monthly and have the housing element of their Universal Credit paid to landlords.”